About the Book
Book: At Heaven’s Edge
Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers
Genre: Christian Nonfiction
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Veteran EMT Andrea Rodgers has helped hundreds of people in their most vulnerable moments.
Some of the victims faced their mortality head-on and cried out to God for help. Many experienced fleeting but life-changing connections with their first responders. Often these crises became unexpected sources of inspiration.
Now Rodgers shares brief, real-life stories of heroic courage in the face of fear. In times of intense suffering, she has repeatedly witnessed signs of God’s quiet intervention and healing presence.
- A man is resuscitated after Rodgers was able to repair a defibrillator–with her teeth!
- Several bystanders help rescue a young girl who is accidentally buried alive in sand.
- Rodgers also experienced some lighthearted moments, including the time she arrived at the scene of a crime only to find herself in the middle of a mystery dinner theater.
Featured on the Catholic Corner Television Show, Telecare TV, Domestic Church Media, and Shalom World.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Andrea Jo Rodgers is the author of award-winning Christian middle grade fiction as well as inspirational adult nonfiction novels. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and specializes in women’s health, orthopedics, and lymphedema. She has served her community as a volunteer emergency medical technician for over thirty years, responding to more than 8,200 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and their two fur babies.More from Andrea
I’ve always loved writing. In fact, I wrote my first “book” when I was in the first grade. It was about how my mother and brother rescued an injured baby duckling from our town’s lake, so I suppose writing about rescues has been in my blood from a young age.Several years back, my son and I were in a terrifying elevator accident that event made me step back and take a close look at my life. I thought about my relationships with God, my family, and my friends. I also thought about my goals and my dreams. The accident inspired me to start writing.
I decided to write about my experiences as a volunteer with my town’s first aid squad. I hoped that people might be inspired or comforted by my stories. When I was finished the first draft, I thought that it needed something to pull it all together. That’s when I decided to explain the source of my inspiration for writing the book by including my own 911 call.
When I first joined the first aid squad, I was seventeen and was just starting my senior year of high school. I’ve been a volunteer EMT ever since. Over the years, I have served in many offices, including Captain and President. Currently, I’m the Lieutenant, a trustee, and treasurer of our foundation.
During my time with the squad, I have been fortunate to witness some utterly amazing things. At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue describes inspirational and memorable first aid calls from my early years with the rescue squad, from my school years when I spent summers working as a beach cop through my first years as a physical therapist. Some of the stories in the book are what I would consider to be miracles, some are sad, but faith-filled, and a few humorous. I invite you to join me in experiencing what it is like to serve as a first responder.
Author Interview with Andrea
Please give us a little introduction to your book.
Andrea: At Heaven’s Edge describes inspirational and memorable first aid and emergency calls from my experiences as a volunteer with my local rescue squad, from my school years when I spent summers working as a beach cop through my first years as a physical therapist.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Andrea: It took about two years to write At Heaven’s Edge. After writing for five months, I had to take a break for nine months while I focused on becoming a certified lymphedema therapist. Once I completed the national certification test, I gleefully dove back into writing.
In what setting do you enjoy writing the most?
Andrea: Since I’m a busy working mom who spends a lot of time volunteering with my rescue squad, I can’t afford to be picky about where I write. I’ve written on scrap paper in between innings or during time outs at my children’s sporting events and in the waiting rooms of doctors and dentists. Many times, I’ll write for a few minutes before I fall into bed. In an ideal world, I’d be able to type in peace and quiet at my computer in our home office, but I grab whatever minutes I can get wherever I can.
What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
Andrea: When I’m not writing, I love working part-time as a physical therapist. I specialize in women’s health, urinary incontinence, lymphedema, osteoporosis, ALS, and orthopedics. I volunteer as an emergency medical technician with my local first aid and rescue squad. I’m currently the Lieutenant and answer about 300 first aid calls per year. I enjoy watching my children participate in sports and extracurricular activities. I like walking along the ocean shoreline and taking daytrips. When I’m actually sitting down, our 14-year-old Shih Tzu (who we rescued when he was 12) is almost always in my lap.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book?
Andrea: Readers can find out more about me at my website, www.andreajorodgers.com. It also includes information about my books and links to interviews.
Blog Stops
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 3
Texas Book-aholic, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 5
Stories By Gina, October 6 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, October 6
Inklings and notions, October 7
Sodbusterliving, October 8
For the Love of Literature, October 9
Simple Harvest Reads, October 10 (Author Interview)
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12
Beauty in the Binding, October 13 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 13 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 15
Spoken from the Heart, October 16
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue and On Heaven’s Doorstep: God’s Help in Times of Crisis-True Stories from a First Responder as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
I enjoyed the author interview! I think it's so interesting how Andrea is experienced in many aspects of the medical field & how she wrote from those experiences. This book sounds good & one I want to read for myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the interview & participating in the blog tour for "At Heaven's Edge"!
This sounds like a fascinating book. I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed meeting Andrea and learning more about her novel. Thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good! I have been taken to hospital by EMTs twice, and am very thankful for them.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate getting to read about your book. With sisters and daughters who love to read, this helps so thank you.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy hearing more about the author!
ReplyDelete